SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean businessman, Justice Maphosa has partnered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in organising a two-day gospel gala set to feature award-winning artistes from the neighbouring country.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
The free-of-charge gala, which will explode to life on August 26 to 27 at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda, is set to feature decorated artistes such as Rebecca Malope, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Lusanda Mcinga, who leads Lusanda Spiritual Group, Dumi Mkokstad, Bethuseli Mcinga and Andile Majola among others.
The first edition of the gospel gala was held last year in August and was sorely sponsored by the Gwanda-born businessman, Maphosa and it attracted royalty to the town, with King Bungane III of the royal kingdom of Embo, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s daughter, Princess Nomkhosi and Chief Zwide Kalanga gracing the event.
Maphosa and ZTA chief executive officer, Karikoga Kaseke confirmed the partnership deal during a media briefing, adding that they will be no repeat of last year’s chaos that saw some authorities denying some South African artistes entry into the country to perform.
“Maphosa faced a lot of problems last year, some of which were not necessary. He then came to us for assistance to avoid a repeat of last year. With us coming on board, we are trying to pacify the problems, to ensure that the show goes on smoothly without any challenges,” Kaseke said.
“We want to turn this gala into a national gospel show, beginning with this year’s event. It is the biggest gospel festival in this country by any measure, sponsored by him (Maphosa).”
Maphosa said he was passionate about Zimbabwe and a lot of negativity coming from the country, must be changed.
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“I was very upset with the way we were treated by our own. I believe, if we had made a mistake, they should have corrected us or maybe told us to pay, rather than to embarrass us by sending back equipment and denying some artistes entry into the country,” he said.
“The idea behind the holding of this gala is to advertise and market Gwanda and woo investors to the town and turnaround its fortunes.”
